KUCHING: Marudi assemblyman Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil has reiterated that his policy had always been to not interfere in the appointment of village chiefs (tuai rumah).
He would leave this to the respective longhouse or village through a democratic process.
When visiting Rh Magdaline Jepon Lubok Mulong, Tinjar, Marudi last Sunday (Oct 11), Penguang said he had explained to the villagers that he had never forced anyone to accept his presence.
“For instance, before coming here, I repeatedly asked the village chief whether the people here would welcome me or not.
“Because I was worried that my presence might cause a dispute or misunderstanding,” he said in a Facebook post on Monday (Oct 12).
Meanwhile, Penguang, who is also Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) vice-president, had informed the villagers on the development projects and the ones going to be implemented in Tinjar.
“Among the projects are to improve the roads while the electricity supply connection project has already commenced.”
On another note, he also urged the community to always evaluate first the stories that they read on social media before jumping to any conclusion.
“This is because there are too many fake news, provocation, bad incitement and slander on social media nowadays.”
He also announced the Minor Rural Project (MRP) grant of RM15,000 for the village security and development committee, RM5,000 for its Women’s Bureau, RM15,000 for JKKK Rh Joseph Adat and RM5,000 for its Women’s Bureau.
